Talks under way to keep Mango flights in the sky

Talks are under way between Mango airlines and SAA Technical after it emerged that Mango flights could be grounded from midnight.

SAA technical has withdrawn its services to Mango due to non-payment.

Domestic flights have been allowed to operate under alert level one of the lockdown.

Mango says it remains committed to flying all passengers to their respective destinations as planned and especially over this weekend.

Mango airlines spokesperson, Benediction Zubane, says talks to continue operations are under way.

“Mango can confirm that ongoing key and sensitive discussions are taking place between Mango and SAAT currently to continue with operations under these difficult times. Mango is currently operating as normal and all customers should always check Mango’s website for any changes to their flight status. We remain committed to flying all passengers to their respective destinations as planned and especially over this weekend.”

The state-owned low-cost carrier has been in financial trouble for some time now and the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened its plight.

Although Mango is an SAA subsidiary, it operates as a separate airline. Its competitors have said it should not be included in SAA’s rescue business plan but should go through its own rescue process if needs be.

Mango can confirm that ongoing key and sensitive discussions are taking place between Mango and South African Airways Technical currently to resolve any dispute. Mango is currently operating as normal. Customers should check Mango’s website for any changes to flight status. 1/2

— FlyMangoSA (@FlyMangoSA) September 26, 2020

Below are Alert Level one lockdown restrictions: